This is an Esther scroll, as it is read at the celebration of Purim, and thus an important Jewish cult object. The Esther Scroll is not rolled. The condition of the parchment is not suitable for it to be rolled again. There is clear discolouration visible, which points to a poor condition in terms of conservation. The binding threads (bgidim) of bovine sinew are brittle and in the process of decomposition. The first section is in particularly poor condition. The roll as a whole shows serious moisture damage that has deformed the parchment and made it inelastic.
Examination by a Sofer has revealed that the writing is Arisel and some letters were written according to cabbalistic criteria, suggesting a date around 1750. The origin of the scroll cannot be clearly determined, but it can be assigned to the Ashkenazic cultural circle.
There is a barely legible handwritten note on the back. This is inventory information from Prof. Friedrich Ritter, board member of the Society for Fine Arts and Patriotic Antiquities, which was probably written on the roll between 1938 and 1940.
A roll holder, mantle or other parts belonging to this roll have not been found to date.
